The top 13 sang songs by their idols on American Idol (Season 10, Episode 16), which aired on March 9, 2011.
First up was Lauren Alaina. She sang Any Man of Mine by her idol, Shania Twain. It wasn’t the best song to make her stand out, especially since it’s a common karaoke song. The judges liked her performance, but they still expect so much more from her.
Next, Casey Abrams sang Joe Cocker’s A Little Help From My Friends. J-Lo felt like she was watching someone important. His performance was so spot on that he made Steven poetic: “You’re a rainbow of talent. A plethora of passion.”
Ashthon Jones, one of last week’s wildcard picks, sang Diana Ross’s When You Tell Me That You Love Me. Although it sounded very off key on TV, the judges seemed to like it. But J-Lo suggested that she pick songs that viewers can sing along to.
Paul McDonald sang Come Pick Me Up by Ryan Adams. Although he was a little pitchy this week, the judges still loved his character, rasp and movement across the stage.
Last week Pia Toscano was the show stopper. How could she possibly top herself? Well, she did it with Celine Dion’s All By Myself. Randy says she has the same natural gift as the greats: Celine Dion, Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey.
Pia Toscano’s Performance
James Durbin picked the perfect song to showcase his voice’s full range—Baby I’m Amazed by Paul McCartney. Randy said it right: “You slayed it.”
Haley Reinhart made Randy a little sleepy this week with her sexy rendition of Leann Rimes’s Blue. Steven and J-Lo, however, loved the unique, sultry quality to her voice.
Jacob Lusk sounded completely off key to viewers in his take on R. Kelly’s I Believe I Can Fly. But the judges couldn’t get enough of him. They found it hard to critique because he makes them “feel so much.”
Thia Megia performed Smile by Michael Jackson. The judges agreed that the beginning was better than the end. But J-Lo reminded viewers that she sings like an angel.
Stefano Langone was another performer who sounded off key. But the judges loved his upbeat remix of Lately by Stevie Wonder.
Karen Rodriguez sang If I Could Fall In Love by Selena. The judges admitted that she had trouble with a lot of the notes, but she’s usually so spot on.
Country lovers rejoice! Scotty McCreery knocked it out of the park with The River by Garth Brooks. If you’re not a country fan, this is the guy that will convert you.
Scotty McCreery’s Performance
Finally Naima Adedapo took the competition up a notch with her performance, singing Umbrella by Rihanna. J-Lo didn’t care about the pitchy parts because of overall performance. Not only did she dance, but she also busted out with some Reggae flavour. You go girl!
Naima Adedapo’s Performance
Elimination
On Thursday (March 10, 2011), one of the Top 13 was eliminated. The bottom three included Ashthon Jones, a wildcard pick, as well as Haley Reinhart and Karen Rodriguez, who were both part of America’s Top 10. After the judges decided not to use their one save of the season, Ashthon was sent home.
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